Zanu-PF, MDC Alliance share urban-rural councils

THE opposition MDC Alliance dominated in Mutare urban council elections winning 18 of the 19 wards while ZANU-PF flexed its muscle in Mutare rural winning 29 of the 36 wards.

An independent candidate, Calvin Matsiya, bagged the remaining ticket in Ward 19 to represent Fern Valley at the Civic Centre.

During the 2013 harmonised elections, the opposition party had 13 councillors in Mutare urban while ZANU-PF had six.

The new crop of councillors has a mammoth task to turn around the fortunes of a local authority that is facing a myriad of cash flow problems.

Service delivery has hit low levels while more has to be done to provide water to new locations as well as collect garbage.

Thomas Nyamupanedengu was declared the winner in Ward 1 while Elizabeth Tsoro and Tsitsi Ziweya won in wards 2 and 3 respectively.

Edson Kalulu retained his post in ward 4 while Mapuvire Simon won in ward 5.

Daniel Saunyama (ward 6), Misi Zvenyika (ward 7), Rudo Sophia Gwasira (ward 8) and Crispen Dube (ward 9).

Exavia Upare, who in 2013 was fired by the then Local Government Minister Dr Ignatius Chombo on corruption allegations involving the procurement of water pipes, has bounced back as ward 10 councillor.

Farai Bhiza, Sam Chabuka and Monica Mukwada won in wards 11, 12 and 13.

Blessing Tandi retained ward 14 while Knowmore Nyanhanda and Sekai Ctaherine Mukodza were elected in wards 15 and 16.

Nyamhoka John and Kudakwashe Chisango completes the list of MDC Alliance councillors who won in Mutare urban.

In Mutare rural ZANU-PF won 29 wards. These are Luxton Mawanga (ward 1), Dadirai Maviza (ward 2), Mujaji Moses (ward 3), Washington Muradzikwa (ward 6), Itai Katsaruware (ward 7), Liberty Gatsi (ward 8), Redreck Chidizya (ward 10), Mazvita Zindimo (ward 11), Pride Chadambuka (ward 12), Hudson Kamutanho (ward13), Fugai Kashiri (ward 14), Taurai Choga (ward 16), Gondai Mutambashe (ward 17), Mudede Booker (ward 18), Muzivi Pindukai (ward 19), Dickson Chawareerwa (ward 20), Hopewell Muzaeni (ward 21), Kumbirai Kanyikwakana (ward 22), Loveson Muuyandiyani (ward 23), Kuziva Banga (ward 24), Hapana Senga (ward 25), Jimmy Chirenje (ward 26), Daniel Mugodhlo (ward 27), Mathias Masasi (ward 28), Mukwakwami Pardon (ward 29), Chibuwe Joshua (ward 30), Winmore Mushakavanhu (ward 33), Limiot Mambure (ward 34) and Rosten Chiwota (ward 36).

MDC Alliance councillors are Martin Muchiruka (ward 4), Tonderai Gopito (ward 5), Ngoni Manyaike (ward 9), William Zunga (ward 15), Mclean Murauro (ward 31), Herbert Gonyora (ward 32) and Abu Masibango (ward 35).